With "Unshuttered: A Youth-Led Exploration of Intergenerational Trauma," Shutter and Strum aims to empower young survivors of intergenerational trauma through free photography workshops, therapeutic support from licensed clinicians specializing in youth trauma, and public exhibitions of participants' work that ignite community dialogue. This unique blend of artistic expression and expert guidance will foster empowered agents of change who can break cycles of marginalization in the Colorado Springs community and build supportive networks throughout our city. This project is guided by instructors who themselves are trauma-informed, drawing from years of experience working within the challenging and dynamic context of alternative education.
“Unshuttered” Youth Participant Application
Project Timeline
A. Project Timeline:
Phase 1: Partnership Development and Recruitment (2 months prior to project)
Phase 2: Photography Workshops and Mental Health Therapies (2 months)
Phase 3: Public Exhibitions and Community Dialogue (1 month)
B. Project Implementation:
1. Partnership Development:
- Collaborate directly with local mental health practitioners, organizations supporting the arts, and diverse youth groups.
- Engage with youth representatives from partner organizations to gather input and perspectives.
2. Recruitment and Selection:
- Develop clear and accessible recruitment guidelines for youth participants.
- Work with partner organizations to reach out to potential participants, particularly from underserved communities.
- Conduct a selection process to ensure a diverse and representative group of participants.
3. Workshop and Therapy Scheduling:
- Coordinate with photography instructors and mental health practitioners to schedule workshops and therapy sessions.
- Ensure workshops and therapies align with all participants' availability and learning styles.
- Provide transportation assistance for participants who may need it.
C. Project Activities:
1. Photography Workshops:
- Teach photography techniques and creative storytelling, offering hands-on experience with various photography equipment and approaches.
- Guide participants in developing a series of photographs that express their personal stories and experiences related to intergenerational trauma.
2. Mental Health Therapies:
- Partner with local mental health practitioners to integrate relevant therapies throughout the project.
- Incorporate therapeutic techniques into photography workshops to provide a creative outlet for participants to express their emotions and experiences.
- Offer additional individual and group therapy sessions as needed,
3. Public Exhibitions and Community Dialogue:
- Host various events at our in-house Disruptor Gallery to showcase participants' photographic work.
- Facilitate dialogue sessions alongside the exhibitions to discuss the concept of intergenerational trauma and its impact on young people.
- Engage the community in understanding these experiences and exploring ways to promote healing and resilience.